Use of Computer-Based Scenarios for Clinical Teaching: Impact on Nursing Students’ Decision-Making Skills

Abstract

Computer-based learning has numerous advantages. It gives students the chance to accommodate and solve problems independently, it can increase motivation during the learning process, and it offers students direct feedback. Students will also receive an authentic learning experience, increasing their level of knowledge retention. It can assist nursing educators in improving learning outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to investigate and evaluate the impact of computer-based scenarios on undergraduate nursing students’ decision-making skills. Sample: There was a total sample of 112 nursing students who were enrolled in a critical care nursing course at the College of Applied Medical Sciences in Saudi Arabia. These students were divided into two groups. Methods: The two groups were taught the same topic for one week. Two case scenarios were given to each group during the clinical rotation. The study group used the computer-based case scenario, and the control group used the paper-based case scenario. The two groups were compared regarding their decision-making skills. The student’s feedback about the computer-based case scenarios was also investigated. Results: The study group scored significantly higher in their decision-making skills when compared to the control group. In addition, the study group reported that they highly agreed that their general learning and specific nursing abilities improved after using computer-based case scenarios.